Re Joint Venture

RNS Number:0704L
Lafarge
14 May 2003





PRESS RELEASE

Euronext: LG, NYSE: LR                                      Paris, May 14, 2003


                    Lafarge and Cementos Molins form a Joint venture to build 
                         the first major cement plant in Bangladesh


Lafarge announced today the signing of a 50/50 joint venture with Cementos
Molins to build a new turnkey cement plant in Chhatak (Northern Bangladesh).

Under this agreement, Lafarge and Cementos Molins will together hold around 60%
interest in Lafarge Surma Cement Limited. The remaining shares of Lafarge Surma
Cement Limited will be held by international financial institutions and local
investors.

Michel Rose, Chief Operating Officer of Lafarge, stated :

"This agreement with Cementos Molins demonstrates our ability to pursue our
development in a growing emerging market, while respecting our commitments to
return to a 2000 like financial structure at Group level."

Bangladesh, with an overall population of 130 million, ranks among the highest
countries in Asia in terms of economic growth potential. This new cement plant
featuring the most advanced technological installation will have an annual
production capacity of 1.2 million tons of Portland cement. It is expected to
start production in year 2005.



Lafarge is the world leader in building materials, and employs 77,000 people in
75 countries. The Group holds top-ranking positions in all four of its
Divisions: Cement, Aggregates & Concrete, Roofing and Gypsum. Lafarge posted
sales of Euro14.6 billion in 2002. More information is available on:
www.lafarge.com

 
PRESS CONTACTS:                            INVESTOR RELATIONS:

Denis Boulet       33-1-44-34-94-14        James Palmer:      33-1 44-34-11-26 
[e-mail]                   [e-mail]

Veronique Doux:   33-1-44-34-19-47         Daniele Daouphars:  33-1 44-34-11 -51
[e-mail]                 [e-mail]


 
Statements made in this press release that are not historical facts are forward-
looking statements made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private
Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements are not guarantees of
future performance and involve risks, uncertainties and assumptions ("Factors")
which are difficult to predict. Some of the Factors that could cause actual
results to differ materially from those expressed in the forward-looking
statements include, but are not limited to: the cyclical nature of the Company's
business; national and regional economic conditions in the countries in which the
Group does business; currency fluctuations; seasonal nature of the Company's
operations; levels of construction spending in major markets; supply/demand
structure of the industry; competition from new or existing competitors;
unfavorable weather conditions during peak construction periods; changes in and
implementation of environmental and other governmental regulations; our ability
to successfully identify, complete and efficiently integrate acquisitions; our
ability to successfully penetrate new markets; and other Factors disclosed in
the Company's Reference Document COB number D03-0375 and on Form 20-F filed with
the Securities and Exchange Commission in the USA. In general, the Company is
subject to the risks and uncertainties of the construction industry and of doing
business throughout the world. The forward-looking statements are made as of
this date and the Company undertakes no obligation to update them, whether as a
result of new information, future events or otherwise.



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